Children and teens

Anxiety, depression, behavior problems and bullying in children and teenagers, and how parents can help.

• Anxiety in childrenAnxiety in children is common and is a normal part of development at certain ages, but it becomes a concern when worry or fear is intense, lasts a long time and gets in the way of school, friendships or family life. Childhood anxiety is very treatable, and parents play a key role in helping an anxious child feel safer and more confident.
• BullyingBullying is repeated, intentional behavior meant to hurt, intimidate or exclude someone, usually involving an imbalance of power. It can be physical, verbal, social or online, and it happens at school, at work and in communities. Bullying is never the target's fault, and its effects on mental health can be serious, but children and adults can recover with the right support.
• CyberbullyingCyberbullying is bullying that happens through digital technology, such as social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms and texts. It includes sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing images or deliberately excluding someone online. Because it can happen at any time and reach a wide audience, it can be especially distressing, but there are effective ways to respond.
• Depression in teensTeen depression is a serious mental health condition that causes persistent sadness, irritability or loss of interest in a teenager, lasting at least two weeks and affecting school, friendships and family life. It's more than normal teenage moodiness. Depression in teenagers is treatable, and early support from parents and professionals makes a real difference.
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a childhood behavioral condition marked by a persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures. All children push limits at times, but with ODD the behavior is frequent, intense and disruptive. ODD is treatable, and parent-focused therapy is especially effective.
• Separation anxietySeparation anxiety is fear or distress about being apart from a loved one, usually a parent or caregiver. It is a normal stage in babies and toddlers, but it can become separation anxiety disorder when the fear is excessive, persistent and interferes with daily life. Separation anxiety can affect children and adults, and it responds well to treatment.